Latest News in Chicago, IL

Amid SNAP Cuts, Englewood Activist Launches 'Tiny Kitchen Project' To Feed Neighbors In Need

Rabbi Tamar Manasseh launched the Tiny Kitchen Project in Englewood to feed over 100 children and families amid uncertainty surrounding federal food assistance benefits. Volunteers will prepare meals for distribution at MASK Peace Academy, aiming to combat hunger and its link to violence. The initiative has garnered community support and donations, including funding from local pastor Bishop Johnny Banks Sr.

Relief Could Come Soon For ICE Detainees Facing Cruel Conditions In Broadview, Judge Says

A federal judge criticized conditions at an ICE processing center in Broadview, calling them “disgusting” and planning a temporary restraining order to enforce improvements. Former detainees testified about overcrowding, lack of food, and unsanitary conditions, prompting the judge to seek immediate relief for those still held there.

35th Ward Residents Can Vote On How To Spend 1 Million In Their Neighborhoods

Voting for participatory budgeting in Chicago's 35th Ward is open until November 30, allowing residents to influence the allocation of over $1 million for public infrastructure projects. Residents can vote for their preferred project categories, with winners receiving at least $350,000 each for implementation. This marks the 11th participatory budgeting cycle and the first under Ald. Anthony Quezada.

Car-Free Meet Me On Milwaukee Events Will Return To Wicker Park Next Year

Wicker Park’s “Meet Me On Milwaukee” car-free events will return in 2026 after a successful pilot program this year. The events, which closed Milwaukee Avenue to traffic for several Sundays, attracted significantly increased foot traffic, benefiting local businesses. Organizers reported attendance tripled during the August event compared to last year.

Chicago Restaurants Offering Free, Discounted Meals During SNAP Freeze

Chicago restaurants provide free and discounted meals to families affected by the pause in SNAP funding, impacting around 2 million residents. Offers include free meals at various locations and discounted coupons for those in need. Local food pantries also ramp up efforts to support the community during this challenging time.

82 Kimbap Opens In The Loop, Serving Korean Rice Rolls, And More Downtown Food News

Michael Yoo and Jimmy Jung launched 82 Kimbap, a fast-casual eatery in Sterling Food Hall, serving Korean rice rolls. The duo, inspired by their craving for Korean comfort food, spent months perfecting their recipes before opening their stall. 82 Kimbap aims to provide a taste of home for the Asian American community in Chicago.

Immigration Raids 'Haven't Gone Far Enough' In Chicago, Trump Says

President Donald Trump stated that federal immigration agents in Chicago “haven’t gone far enough” in their enforcement actions during a “60 Minutes” interview. He defended the use of aggressive tactics, despite public outcry and incidents involving the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters. Local leaders continue to criticize these operations and seek peaceful resistance.

Turner Hus Brewery Pauses Daily Operations As Dixie Pura Opens

Three new restaurants are set to open in Bronzeville, including the Southern Southeast Asian eatery Dixie Pura, which recently celebrated its grand opening. Meanwhile, Turner Haus Brewery has paused its daily operations to focus on future plans after operating for nearly two years.

Chicago Should Pause Evictions As ICE Raids Continue, Housing Advocates Say

Tenants groups in Chicago urge local leaders to implement an eviction moratorium amid ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations targeting residents. The All-Chicago Tenants Alliance argues that fear of eviction exacerbates financial struggles for vulnerable workers, particularly in the Latino community. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed willingness to consider the request, while no response has come from Governor JB Pritzker.

Filming ICE Detention Of Man With Schizophrenia Left Bystander 'Trembling'

Federal agents apprehended Omar Huerta Cisneros, a man with schizophrenia, in Chicago Lawn while he walked to a grocery store. Bystander Edgar Manzo recorded the incident, providing crucial evidence for Cisneros' family, who struggled to locate him after his detention. Without the video, they would have remained unaware of his whereabouts for weeks.